Squad size confusion but resolution seems likely

With just three months until the International Cup in Melbourne, there has been some confusion amongst countries over the squad sizes allowed. The 2002 Cup saw 30 players each, but some sides couldn't field fit teams by the end of the tournament. An extension to 35 players was argued for, and apparently some countries thought they had secured it.

Several nations had named or planned to name 35 players, and there has been some distress when they realised that the limit was again 30. It would seem sensible to allow more. In most games at AFL level, sides lose 1 to 3 players through injury each week. With 6 matches in a week and a half, it is likely that the International Cup teams will lose at least 10 players over the series. On the other hand, allowing large squads encourages countries to spend more on player transport and accomodation, which takes away from funding for development, so a balance must be struck.

World Footy News spoke with AFL Community Development Manager Ed Biggs regarding the squad size issue. He stated that "It should have been 30, but as one team has apparently already selected
35 we will look seriously at allowing that". Biggs said he would consult the International Development Committee before making a decision. Given that it would be devastating for selected players to have to be cut from rosters, and several countries have quality players they would like to include, hopefully the final decision will come down in favour of 35 player squads.

It also needs to be remembered that some teams have to spend a hell of a lot more money than others. It will be a damn site easier for NZ to send those extra five blokes than it will for Great Britain.
The cricket world cup has squad limits just so the host team doesn't have the same kind of advantage.

And of course each country has a different capacity to raise the money. But my personal view is that with 30 you'd defintely be at risk of having some teams not able to field fit men towards the end. I gather that happened last time. Definitely a balancing act.

The reason for changing the rules should, as stated, be that a squad of 30 are too few. But actually allowing for 35, simply because a country was about to break (even because of the confusion) the rules is ridiculous. That's like raising the speed limits on roads, because people in general are driving too fast. They should have made the rules clear earlier on.
Maybe 16 a side is the way to go, as there would be more space per player and thereby fewer injuires. A lot of the international leagues are playing that anyway

I think there is a league in Victoria that is 16 on the field. With the massive increase in fitness and running in the game these days, with ugly flooding tactics, I actually think 16 per side would be better. The reason Aussie Rules isn't Rugby Union is that the rules have been changed continually for 150 years to ensure it remains an attractive sport. Let's face it, how often does a team line up and stay with 2 forward pockets as well as a full forward? But that's a whole different debate.